A collective dedicated to promoting opportunity in equity and access to homeownership and affordable housing
NEEC believes that by helping to close the wealth gap we can start to address systemic issues and inequitable policies that will improve the economic security of residents in the Commonwealth.
New England Equity Collective (NEEC) is a 501(c)(3) private foundation committed to advancing housing equity, inclusive community development, and economic opportunity. NEEC operates at the intersection of housing, education, and social justice—providing programs and services that address systemic barriers facing low-income individuals, people of color, veterans and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our work is rooted in culturally responsive practices and community-driven solutions that empower people to thrive.
NEEC develops cross-sector initiatives that integrate real estate development, workforce pathways, and community-centered programming to address structural inequities at their root. Our approach combines strategic partnerships, data-informed planning, and sustainable financing models to create projects that are both socially impactful and financially viable. Through collaborations with nonprofit service providers, architects, financial institutions, and public agencies, NEEC works to design inclusive environments that promote dignity, independence, and long-term community stability.
Our Expertise
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Investing in Rehabilitating Government-Owned or Abandoned Properties
Learn how to identify and acquire properties through partnerships with local municipalities and agencies such as the Massachusetts Housing Partnership and MassDevelopment.
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Financial Literacy, Homeownership, and Financial Security Education
NEEC offers educational programs that enhance financial literacy, promote homeownership, and secure long-term financial stability.
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Addressing the Housing Crisis for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
The New England Equity Collective aims to address the housing crisis for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) by creating inclusive, affordable, and accessible housing that promotes independent living.
NEEC Inclusive Communities Initiative
NEEC Inclusive Communities Initiative
Inclusive Communities Initiative
At New England Equity Collective (NEEC), we are committed to creating affordable, accessible, and inclusive housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). With Massachusetts facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, many individuals with disabilities struggle to find safe and supportive places to call home.
The Inclusive Communities Initiative is a phased supportive housing development led by the New England Equity Collective (NEEC) to address the urgent need for high-quality, community-based housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in Massachusetts.
The project’s Minimum Viable Phase (MVP) includes the construction of three ADA-compliant, fully staffed homes with 24/7 wraparound support. This housing-first model is designed to operate independently of future mixed-use components and will establish a sustainable residential and service delivery framework aligned with DDS and MassHealth waiver structures.
Future phases will introduce mission-aligned community assets—including a bookstore café, arts studio, performance space, and recreational amenities—to foster social inclusion, workforce pathways, and economic participation. The initiative blends supportive housing, social enterprise, and community integration into a scalable model for inclusive development.
🎙️ NEEC Featured Podcast: Are We Here Yet?
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🎙️ NEEC Featured Podcast: Are We Here Yet? *
We are thrilled to share that NEEC was recently featured on the Are We Here Yet? Podcast hosted by SMGraves Associates.
In this engaging conversation, our CEO and Founder, Taiese Hickman, discusses her journey as a realtor turned developer and nonprofit leader, and the innovative vision behind the New England Equity Collective (NEEC). She shares how NEEC is pioneering a new model of community through:
Pocket neighborhood development and co-living design
Integrated art and music therapy supports
Affordable, inclusive, community-centered housing
Innovative approaches to social impact and neighborhood well-being
Whether you are a nonprofit leader refining your framework, an urbanist exploring intentional community design, or someone passionate about equitable housing solutions, this episode offers valuable insights into how NEEC is blending real estate, social impact, and community wellness.
Funding Announcements
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NEEC Awarded $5,000 Grant from Mass Cultural Council
We’re excited to announce that the New England Equity Collective has received a $5,000 Creative Experiences grant from the Mass Cultural Council!
This award will support the launch of our Artist/Musician-in-Residence Program—a key component of our Inclusive Communities Initiative, which combines affordable housing with holistic support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
With this support, NEEC will bring creative arts programming directly into our first inclusive housing site in Brockton and East Bridgewater, helping to foster community connection, therapeutic engagement, and cultural inclusion for our residents.
This grant was made possible thanks to public investment from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the National Endowment for the Arts. We’re deeply grateful to the Mass Cultural Council for their support of equity, creativity, and community development.
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New England Equity Collective (NEEC) receives $25,000 grant from the Boston Foundation
New England Equity Collective (NEEC) announced today it has received a $25,000 grant from the Boston Foundation to advance its Inclusive Communities Initiative, which creates affordable, accessible housing and provides essential support services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) across Massachusetts.
“This grant will allow NEEC to take meaningful next steps toward ensuring that safe, stable, and inclusive housing is a right—not a privilege.” Taiese Hickman, Founder and CEO said today.
New England Equity Collective was founded in 2024 to address a significant challenge and opportunity within underserved communities: the persistent gap in homeownership rates and affordable housing in marginalized communities. This gap is not just a matter of housing disparity but also a critical factor in broader issues of economic inequality, access to education, and community stability.
NEEC Announces Partnership with High Spirit Advisory
New England Equity Collective (NEEC) has officially partnered with High Spirit Advisory, a nationally recognized organization supporting inclusive, relationship-centered residential communities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
As our fiscal sponsor and strategic thought partner, High Spirit Advisory brings a wealth of experience in sustainable, person-centered housing models that empower individuals with IDD to live independently with dignity and community connection.
This partnership strengthens NEEC’s Inclusive Communities Initiative, a growing effort to create affordable, accessible housing across Massachusetts—blending intentional design, wraparound support, and opportunities for education, employment, and creative expression.
Our shared vision is powerfully illustrated in the award-winning documentary Raising Bar, which highlights the beauty and impact of inclusive living when people of all abilities come together as neighbors and friends.
🎥 Watch the story that inspired this partnership:
👉 raisingbarthemovie.com/story
Together, NEEC and High Spirit Advisory are advancing a future where:
Inclusive housing is the standard, not the exception
Support is rooted in respect, autonomy, and connection
Communities are diverse, equitable, and designed for everyone
🔗 Learn more about our partners and how you can support this work:
www.highspirit.org/advisory
